Isola: adaptive re-use of a former factory

Former industrial building in Prague set to gain a new lease of life

Contemporary architecture, a sustainable approach, and respect for industrial heritage: these design principles come together in our comprehensive redevelopment of Isola, an office building owned by Generali Real Estate, now being transformed in Prague’s Pankrác district.

A look back

The building’s history has several chapters. It was built in 1989 as a factory hall for ČKD Polovodiče (Semiconductors). In the late 1990s, architect Václav Aulický, co-author of the Transgas complex and the iconic Žižkov Television Tower, among other important projects, adapted it for Česká pojišťovna, transforming the factory into office space while retaining its distinctive industrial character.

Today, the building is entering a new chapter under the direction of Chapman Taylor’s studio in Prague.

Retaining its industrial character

Chapman Taylor Associate Director Igor Bergmann, observes that the original building was particularly notable for its prefabricated structural frame, complemented by distinctive, high-load-bearing, prestressed TT-shaped floor panels. The new design therefore retains some of these characteristic elements.

“We were keen not to demolish the building, even though the depth of the original floorplate was not effective for modern workplace use. We ultimately chose a far more sustainable approach based on comprehensively repurposing the structure. We stripped the original building back to its concrete frame, preserving its industrial character, while replacing the facades and building technology to create a modern office environment that will be highly attractive to tenants, fit well within its urban context and meet current sustainability criteria,” explains Igor.

Creating a harmonious whole

The façade of Isola draws on a typical composition device for Prague buildings, where the ground floor and the upper levels each have their own distinct expression.

“We used this principle of carefully selecting materials and architectural expressions to visually connect the originally disjointed volumes, so that the finished building reads as one harmonious whole rather than a primary volume with an extension.”

Another key challenge was balancing the requirement to provide sufficient daylight in the interiors with protection from overheating. The finally approved façade system and specified approach to thermal insulation help to regulate internal temperatures and reduce the building’s energy demand.

To underline the holistic approach taken to sustainability, the project is targeting BREEAM Outstanding certification, the highest rating available under the BREEAM system.

A sustainable future

The project also aims to be carbon neutral in operation. Provision for sustainable mobility will also support this ambition, including infrastructure for runners and cyclists, secure bicycle storage and EV charging stations. Excellent access to public transport underscores the project’s approach to sustainable mobility.

Isola will offer future tenants a total of 8,000m² of flexible workplace across five above-ground floors. With high ceilings and large-format windows, these modern offices will prioritise functionality, wellbeing and energy efficiency.

The project will also include green terraces offering panoramic views across Prague, bringing an attractive outdoor amenity for building users.

Completion is scheduled for Q1 2027.

Photography: David Janota, Ondřej Čížek